ISPS Handa Vision Cup 2019 held in Portmarnock Golf Links, Dublin

Jun 27, 2019

Rest of the world team win the 2019 ISPS Handa Vision Cup in Portmarnock Golf Links, Dublin

This International Blind Golf Association event was hosted in Ireland this year, supported by Vision Sports Ireland and Northern Ireland Blind Golf Association. The event showcased 12 of the best blind golfers from North America who took on 12 of the best from around the world in a Ryder Cup style competition between 18th and 20th June 2019.
In a comprehensive victory the Rest of the World team beat the Northern American team by a score of 15.5 to 8.5.
The winning putt was sank by the long-hitting Scotsman Barry McCluskey.
The competition was intense from the off. The first two days of action took the form of 2 rounds of Pinehursts foursomes.
After day one the score was rest of the world, 4 North America, 2. Day two saw that lead rise to 7.5 against 4.5 and final score, after 12 single matches on day 3 was 15.5 to 8.5. It was a tension packed couple of days which saw large crowds from the local community following players around the course, all astonished at what they were witnessing.
Minister for Education, Joe McHugh came to Portmarnock on Wednesday and went out on the course with some of the players. He was amazed by the standard of golf at what was an exceptionally difficult links course.
In a ceremony on Thursday night visually impaired Irish Senator Martin Conway presented the winning trophy to the Rest of the World team captain, South African Garrett Slattery.

TEAM IRELAND LAUNCH EUROPEAN GAMES CAMPAIGN TODAY

Jun 21, 2019

TEAM IRELAND LAUNCH EUROPEAN GAMES CAMPAIGN TODAY

*All interviews on soundcloud*

21 June 2019

The second edition of the European Games officially opens in Minsk today. The Games run from the 21-30 June, and Team Ireland will be represented by 63 athletes across nine sports, including many of the top names in Irish sport, such as boxer Kellie Harrington, cyclist Ryan Mullen and Canoe Sprint racer Jenny Egan.

Day one will be a quiet one for Ireland with Maeve Reidy being the sole Irish representative, competing in Archery. Three boxing events had originally been scheduled for the 21 June, but the strength and talent of the Team Ireland boxers has bought them several byes to later rounds.

Speaking ahead of the event Performance Director for boxing, Bernard Dunne, said,

“Everybody is happy. Preparations for this competition have been superb. We trained in Belfast for a few weeks, it was fantastic, and great preparation for our guys. We are ready, we are as prepared as we can be. Now it’s just a matter of going out and fighting. Our guys are eager to get in, we want to get some action. We have a couple of byes, but eventually we are going to have to fight the best. It doesn’t matter if we fight them tomorrow or in a few days time; we are ready and just want to show our best. That’s what our guys want to do.”

Archery will see Reidy compete in the preliminary rounds of the Women’s Recurve Individual at 11:15 Irish time. The results from today will provide the seeding for the 1/32 Elminiation Rounds on the 25 June for the Dubliner.

Team Leader for Archery, Martin Cunningham explains what to expect today,

“In the Preliminary Rounds archers shoot 72 arrows, their score from these rounds will rank them one to forty eight, basically this will then give them a seeding which will see them compete in brackets, like you see in football or boxing. Archers then go head to head in five round matches, where they shoot three arrows in each match. At the end of the match the winner gets two points, loser gets zero points, and a draw gives you one point. The first person who reaches six points goes through to the next round.”

The Opening Ceremony takes place in the Dinamo Stadium tonight at 18:00 Irish time. Coverage of the European Games is on eir Sport for the duration of the Games, with previews and interviews with the Irish athletes featuring throughout the competition also.

The European Games take place in Minsk, Belarus, from the 21 – 30 June, with athletes competing across nine sports, five of which are part of the Tokyo 2020 qualification journey.

DAY ONE SCHEDULE (IRISH TIME):

11:15 – Archery Maeve Reidy (Preliminary Rounds Women’s Recurve Individual)

18:00 – Opening Ceremony

-ENDS-

For more information please contact:

Olympic Federation of Ireland Public Relations Officer

Heather Boyle,

heather@olympicsport.ie,

+353 87 337 1954

TEAM IRELAND ATHLETES

SCHEDULE FOR 21 JUNE (Irish Time)

SCHEDULE FOR 22 JUNE (Irish Time)

In Minsk (GMT +3:00):

Real Time Updates 

The Olympic Federation of Ireland will be sharing real-time updates, results and content from Minsk, Belarus across its social channels.

Twitter: @TeamIreland

Instagram: @team_ireland_olympic

Facebook: @teamirelandolympic

YouTube: OlympicIRL

Soundcloud: Team Ireland

Notes to Editor

*Reserve list required by Minsk for Athletics

Daily Updates

The OFI will issue a daily press release each morning including results, quotes from the athletes and backroom team, audio interview clips, and general updates from the European Games.

Please contact Heather Boyle on heather@olympicsport.ie  to be included on the distribution list.

Broadcast Coverage

Eir Sport will be providing full coverage of the European Games, with live footage as well as highlight packages.

Photography

Sportsfile and Inpho Sports Photography will be travelling to the European Games and will be issuing photography.

Interviews

Interviews with Team Ireland athletes, coaches and support staff may be facilitated where possible on request.

Please contact Heather Boyle on heather@olympicsport.ie for specific requests.

Notes to Editor

*Reserve list required by Minsk for Athletics

Summary Team Ireland Schedule

VACANCY: Inclusion and Disability in Sport Sub

Jun 18, 2019

O.N.A.K.A.I. is seeking to fill position of the Inclusion and Disability in Sport Sub-Committee member. Successful applicants will be required to undertake Safeguarding 1 and undergo Garda vetting upon selection.

JOB DESCRIPTION

LOCATION – nationwide

DUTIES

• Represent the rights and interests of our inclusive members in karate
• Actively work on implementing Inclusion Policy by enhancing visibility, accessibility, inclusivity and participation within karate
• Work with other IDS Sub-committee members on creating opportunities for active participation and inclusion in sport in line with the National charter
• Provide feedback to the O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive
• Report formally to O.N.A.K.A.I. Executive at AGM through production of an annual report and/or presentation
• Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

CORE QUALITIES

• Basic IT knowledge
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Trustworthy and respected, with the ability to maintain confidentiality about sensitive matters
• Strong organisational skills, the ability to plan and organise meetings as well as diary management
• Commitment to the role, passionate about opportunities for Inclusion in Sport

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Maintain effective relationships with the Executive Board of O.N.A.K.A.I. and those members of other organisations or volunteers who are also contributing to the development of karate within the region.
• Carry out duties and responsibilities within limited supervision.
• Portray a competent and professional image.
• Be available and willing to undertake training necessary for the post.

APPLICATION Please send a CV and letter of application to Martin Clynch, Secretary to O.N.A.K.A.I. by email to info@onakai.ie  by the 21.6.2019

May ‘Investec 20×20 Media Awards’ winner announced

Jun 13, 2019

Release date: Thursday 13^th June 2019

May ‘Investec 20×20 Media Awards’ winner announced

Freelancer Brendan Coffey wins the monthly Investec 20×20 Media Award with feature on the rise of an exciting talent in Irish motorsport

Brendan Coffey is the Investec 20×20 Media Awards winner for the month of May.  Brendan (34) is a sportswriter from Maynooth, Co Kildare. His work appears regularly across Ireland’s leading publications including the 42.ie, The Times (Ireland Edition), Irish Examiner and Irish Racing Yearbook.  Brendan’s winning article entitled: “Once you go out on track, you’re on your own… you don’t have time for thinking out there’” is an in-depth reflection on Tipperary’s Nicole Drought and her incredible career in circuit racing.

Anna Kessel, Investec 20×20 Media Awards judging panel Chair, said: ““This was such an insightful read, I loved how Brendan captured Nicole’s description of what it feels like to drive a race car “like dancing” – he brought her skills to life in a way I hadn’t read before. Women in motorsport are massively under-represented in mainstream media and so it is brilliant to see Nicole’s talent recognised on this platform.”

Michael Cullen, CEO, Investec said: “Brendan Coffey’s interview with Nicole Drought illustrates what these awards are all about, profiling emerging talent in exciting sports which we don’t regularly see featured in the media. Nicole’s passion for circuit racing and her commitment to push herself and her car to the limits is brought to life in this captivating read.  According to Nicole, “It’s not just a boy’s sport” and Nicole is certainly proof of that.” 

Mary O’ Connor, CEO, Federation of Irish Sport added: “Brendan Coffey’s feature on Nicole Drought brilliantly captures the heavy emotional and physical toll that drivers endure in their quest to execute that perfect drive.  From the indescribable adrenalin rush to the crushing disappointment and sense of isolation knowing that once you take to the track, you’re on your own. Nicole’s ability to reflect and learn from each race stands her in good stead going forward in what promises to be an exciting career in Irish motorsport.”

The Investec 20×20 Media Awards recognise and reward excellence in Irish journalism focused on Women in Sport. Investec is a proud sponsor of 20×20, an initiative presented by The Federation of Irish Sport which calls on the people of Ireland to provide more support for women in sport. In demonstrating its commitment to the initiative, Investec has created this new awards scheme to help change the perceptions of women’s sport.  The Investec 20×20 Media Awards recognises that increased visibility will lead to greater cultural recognition of girls and women in sport.

// ENDS

For media enquiries please contact The Reputations Agency, (01) 661 8915: Gareth Field, 087 897 5484 gareth@thereputationsagency.ie or Catherine Walsh, 087 268 9532, catherine@thereputationsagency.ie.

The winning article can be found online at: https://www.the42.ie/nicole-drought-irish-motorsport-4611076-Apr2019/

To put forward an entry for the June Investec 20×20 Media Award please visit: https://www.investec.com/en_ie/welcome-to-investec/press/2019-investec-media-awards.html.

Ireland Take Bronze in Bettystown Sunshine

Jun 4, 2019

Bettystown, Ireland, June 2ns 2019

Ireland Take Bronze in Bettystown Sunshine

Ireland reached the silver match in the CEV Continental Cup in Bettystown, Ireland.

The Irish due of O’Regan and Kaczmarek lost 21-12, 21-18 in a competitive encounter against Sotland’s top team. Alex Gibbons and Oisin McArdle then wowed the crowd with some impressive blocking at the net, before Scotland claimed the first 21-18. Ireland came back strong and dominated from now on winning the second and third 21-9 and 15-7. That win in glorious Co. Meath sunshine and packed stands setup a silver medal match Vs Ukraine.

The Ukrainians were a class above and won the first Match 21-6 and the second 21-8. O’Regan battling through the pain barrier to represent his country. Gibbons and McArdle gave them a scare in Match 2 but the Yellow & Blues ran out 21-15 winners in both matches. Sergei Popov particularly impressive.

In the Women’s pool Estonia and Denmark fought for 2nd place after Estonia beat Ireland 2-0. After yesterday’s heroics Izzy Carey and Alex Graves ran the Estonians close losing out 21-19, 21-17.

Estonia kept their form going and avenged their defeat yesterday against the Danes in comfortable 2 match win. The increased wind speed aiding their game.

It was a wonderful first event for Ireland and has set a benchmark for growing the game in the country. Crowds were consistently good throughout the weekend with many first time Volleyball spectators converted into fans.

Volleyball Ireland would like to thank all players, referees, volunteers and sponsors for their support in this historic event.

Final Standings:
MEN
LITHUANIA
UKRAINE
IRELAND
SCOTLAND

WOMEN
SLOVAKIA
ESTONIA
DENMARK
IRELAND

Link to full results:
MEN > https://www.cev.eu/BeachVolley-Area/BeachVolley_2BOX.aspx ID=1130&mID=2482&sID=&pID=1645&chID=6103&phaseID=1645&champID=6103&Mod=C

WOMEN > https://www.cev.eu/BeachVolley-Area/BeachVolley_2BOX.aspx?ID=1132&mID=2509&sID=&pID=1646&chID=6111&phaseID=1646&champID=6111&Mod=C

Link to Pictures:
MEN > https://www.cev.eu/BeachVolley-Area/BeachVolley_PHOTO.aspx?ID=1130&mID=2531&sID=&pID=1645&chID=6103&phaseID=1645&champID=6103&Mod=C

WOMEN > https://www.cev.eu/BeachVolley-Area/BeachVolley_PHOTO.aspx?ID=1132&mID=2549&sID=&pID=1646&chID=6111&phaseID=1646&champID=6111&Mod=C